Newsletter - 25 November 2022
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
The Church year is drawing to a close. It will soon be Advent, then Christmas … At this time of year the Church’s readings remind us that the earth as we know it is passing away and that Christ will come again at the end of time. What does this mean for our lives? It means we are to live each day with a sense of hope, expectation, vigilance and ready to meet the Lord at all times. Pope Francis says, “It means not allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed by distraction or by superficiality, but living in a full and aware way, with concern first of all for others”.
At this time of the year, you will notice that the agapanthus plants are just getting ready to flower. Indeed this purple flower (sometimes called “The Star of Bethlehem”) is a special reminder to keep our ‘eyes ahead’, to ‘get ready’ and to live primarily with a ‘concern for others’.
I think Advent is a beautiful and reflective season – focussed on waiting for the child Jesus and celebrating the Incarnation of God-with-us in human form. The scripture readings during Advent encourage us to “stay awake”, “watch” and “prepare”. There is a sense of great anticipation and hope.
As the school year draws to an end I look back on the many things that I am grateful for; these include…………..
- The many students, parents and staff members with whom it has been a privilege to walk this year, especially those who have faced hard times or the hard questions that life asks of each of us;
- The waves, smiles and greetings shared, without which everyday contact becomes dry and lifeless;
- The unforgettable sharing at staff prayer each Friday morning which tells me, more reliably than any survey, that relational trust is alive and very well in this workplace;
- A growing spirit of Unity and Service;
- The incredible facilities and resources that support our teaching and learning;
- Fr Stephen for his pastoral support of our community. An active partnership with Parish means so much to students, staff and parents.
- A peaceful mind, free from the stories that the mind likes to create and the unnecessary suffering that results;
- A community that pulls together when the going gets tough.
With the close of 2022, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Emmanuel staff for making it a pleasure to come to work each day. Their professionalism, generosity of spirit, care for students and their learning is second to none. To staff leaving Emmanuel – Karla Falzon, Linda Miller, Michele Jensen, Katherine Cridland, Chrissy Richardson, Taylor Rimmington, Alysha, Knight and Kristie Flor - I say thank you for the privilege of sharing your personal and professional journey. Go with our best wishes and heart-felt thanks and prayers for a safe, happy and fulfilling future.
To students and families who are leaving us, especially the Year 6’s, may your journey be blessed with true friends, great learning, accepted opportunities and a giving heart. Most of all, may you personally know the great love that God has for each of you.
To you, our parents and caregivers, thank you for being valued partners in the education of your children and for your co-operation and support in building Christian community at Emmanuel.
And, finally, to staff, parents and students whose charitable and unselfish deeds, large and small, may have gone unseen and unheralded, the One who sees everything knows what you do, and I say thank you on behalf of us all. Truly, may the enduring peace, the unselfish love and the simple joy of Christ be yours this Christmas and always. Be safe everyone. I look forward to seeing you again next year.
As has been the custom over the past few years, our Final School Assembly will take place on Friday 02 December in the Marist Centre commencing at 12.00pm. Parents are most welcome to take their children home on conclusion of this assembly. Supervision will be provided for those students who are unable to be collected due to parental work commitments.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
STAFF LIST 2023
The following is a list of Staff for the 2023 school year. I know that there will be some who cannot resist the unfortunate temptation to compare one teacher to another in a school where there are two or three teachers in a year level. The teachers at Emmanuel all teach with love – love for their class and love for their work. I become quite worried that each year some are tempted to compare and disparage one teacher against another. I find this to be anti to the values of our community. Our teachers teach with love and integrity; please switch off anyone who would say otherwise. Having said this, no one is perfect, and primary teaching relies on a variety – a variety that’s much like life. Some are better Maths teachers, others better at literacy. Some are strict, others less so. Some are sporty, others love to sing and bring a love of music. Some extend, others cater for those with needs. The brilliant thing about all our teachers is that they have a variety of skills, but they teach with love. Across seven years our children experience this necessary variety, it helps bring out the best in everyone.
STAFF LIST – EMMANUEL 2023
RE Matters
With the school year coming to an end and Christmas fast approaching, I thought I would share the ‘gift’ of the story below. Enjoy!
THE GIFT OF GIVING
There was a family, just an ordinary family, preparing for Christmas. They had put up and decorated their tree, bought and wrapped some presents and started preparing for the celebrations.
One evening, as they were sitting down to dinner, they heard a knock at their door. When the door was opened there was no one to be seen, just a box wrapped in brown paper sitting on the mat. Inside was a small ceramic lamb.
The next evening about the same time, there was another knock on their door and another box wrapped in brown paper. The family was surprised to see a ceramic shepherd, until they realised that it matched the lamb they had received the previous day.
Each evening another brown paper wrapped gift was left at their door, and by Christmas Eve they had all, but one piece of a beautiful Nativity set. Even though they had been trying to catch the ‘gift giver’ they still had no idea who was leaving the boxes. It was all very exciting!
As they went to bed that night, they prayed that the final gift, the gift of baby Jesus, would appear on their doorstep. Next morning each family member checked in the hope of finding the ‘Reason for the Season’ …….. but no box, no brown paper, no Baby Jesus was left on their mat.
Somewhat disappointed, the family opened their presents, shared a delicious breakfast and got ready for Mass. As they walked up to the door of the church an elderly woman, whom they often visited and ran errands for, approached and greeted them. She was a nice person, but she was sickly, poor and very lonely. She had no family of her own and few friends to help her or spend time with her. With a hug and a teary ‘Thank You’ she placed a small box wrapped in brown paper in the mother’s hand.
Inside was Baby Jesus. He had come - a long awaited and hoped for gift, wrapped simply and given for all.
Jesus comes into our lives in ways we do not always expect. He comes when we serve and love others as he did. He comes in kindness and forgiveness, friendship and gratitude. Let us open our hearts and welcome God into our lives though the people we meet and the love we share.
Wishing you abundant blessings and all the joy of the Christmas season.
ADVENT
Advent begins this Sunday 27 November. It is the liturgical season of anticipation and hope that begins the Liturgical Year and prepares us for the celebration of Christmas. Sadly, Advent is often forgotten in all the excitement of Christmas. Please find below some fabulous resources that explain the season and support its celebration.
Find out more about Advent @
http://www.catholic.org/advent/advent.php?id=5
Advent Videos, Prayers and Reflections
https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/advent/
Watch the short animation “What is Advent Again?” @
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y4NCCH40PA
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Our annual Carols Evening will be held on Tuesday 29 November. All classes from Prep to Year Six will be involved. Following the student’s performances, there will be some community singing, where all present are invited to sing along. Please join us on the grassed area in front of the Music Room for a 6pm start. All students are asked to meet their teachers by 5:45pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather in the last week of school to share in the spirit of Christmas. Hope to see you there. Don’t forget your Christmas t-shirt and Santa hat.
We will be collecting donations for the St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal, so please bring along some coins to help others less fortunate this Christmas.
PLAN B FOR CAROLS
In the case of inclement weather / saturated grounds on Tuesday night, we will hold the Christmas Carols on Thursday 1 December in the Marist Centre during the school day. Parents will be welcome to attend, however due to large numbers Carols will be shared in two separate concerts at times to be advised. A decision will be made early next week, and all parents will be advised via text message / email.
Obviously Plan B is not ideal so please join us in praying for fine weather on Tuesday night.
THANKSGIVING AND FAREWELL MASS
Emmanuel has a tradition of celebrating the end of the school year with a Thanksgiving Mass. It is always a special time for memories and reflection. We give thanks for the year we have shared and farewell students and staff who are leaving our school. Fr Stephen will lead our celebration. Students in all classes will be participating. Please join us for this Mass on Thursday 1 December at 9:00am in the Fr Bucas Centre at Holy Spirit College.
Students need to wear blue day uniform. Girls to wear dresses please. Preps to wear their Prep uniform.
A reminder to parents that the school office will be closed from 9:00am -10:30am as ALL STAFF will be attending the Mass.
We are looking forward to celebrating the year we have shared.
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
Each year our school supports The St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal in assisting needy families in the Mackay region. All classes are making up hampers of non-perishable food items that will be presented to the parish St Vincent de Paul Society in the last week of school.
A big THANK YOU to all families who have already contributed Christmas goodies to these hampers and to those who will send them along in the coming days. Your generosity is very much appreciated.
Hampers will be collected from school on Tuesday 29 November.
YEAR SIX CELEBRATION EVENING
On Wednesday evening, our Year Six students and their families gathered in the Marist Centre to reflect on and to give thanks for their time at Emmanuel. Fr Stephen reminded the students that God had given them many gifts and that they are called to use them, to ‘be a light for the world’. Miss Rostirolla acknowledged and thanked those parents whose association with Emmanuel will end next week.
Other highlights of the evening included the ‘Ceremony of Light’ and the presentation of certificates. Mrs Whelan provided the fabulous music and Mrs Hyde sang beautifully. It was a wonderful celebration!
A special thank you to the staff who prepared the sacred space and Marist Centre, our amazing musicians and the small group of Year Five parents who kindly set up and served the supper that followed the prayer celebration. We appreciate your time, talents and support.
For weekly Gospel readings, reflections and meditations go to http://www.prayasyoucan.com.au/
Download this week’s parish bulletin @ https://rok.catholic.net.au/parish/mackay-st-josephs/#
For Parish News, updates and to book for weekend Masses go to the Catholic Parishes of North Mackay and Farleigh Facebook page.
MONSTER CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
There may not be NORFAIR this year, but our parish is selling tickets in an amazing raffle. With a First Prize of $10 000, tickets are great value at $5.00 each. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 9 December, just in time for Christmas. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
Tickets are available online, before and after weekend Masses and from St Joseph's Parish Office
(Monday - Friday 9am to 12:00pm - phone 49574855).
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – THANKFULNESS
“If the only prayer you said was ‘thank you’ that would be enough.” (Meister Eckhart)
Thankfulness is being grateful for what we have. It is an attitude of gratitude for learning, loving and being. Appreciate the little things that happen around you and within you every day. Think positively. Thankfulness brings contentment.
“Thankfulness turns what we have into enough!” (Unknown)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
Curriculum Corner
REPORT CARDS FOR SEMESTER 2
A reminder to parents to please check that you can sign in to Parent Lounge prior to reports being released. If you have any queries, please contact our school office.
Report cards will once again be available through Parent Lounge from 5:00pm on Thursday 1 December.
- To access Parent Lounge, open your internet browser and type in the URL for Emmanuel Catholic Primary School website: ecps.qld.edu.au
- Click on Parent Lounge under Quick Links.
- Click on the Parent Lounge icon.
- Login with your unique ID number and the password remains the same as previously used.
BOOKPACK COLLECTION
BOOKPACK COLLECTION POINT: Bookpacks to be collected from the Marist Centre
ICAS ACHIEVEMENTS
Congratulations to all of the Year 5 and 6 students who participated in the ICAS English, Mathematics and Science Competitions last term. Certificates were presented today to all Year 5 students; Year 6 students will receive their awards in their “End of Year” envelope next week as they were enjoying a day at the pool today. All of these students are to be commended on their commitment and dedication to their learning and their willingness to challenge themselves, with several students achieving participation, credit, merit and distinction awards all of which they can be very proud. Congratulations students, you are all very clever and displayed very strong work ethics and grit as you participated in these challenging assessments!
Janine Refalo
Assistant Principal Curriclum
APA News
FINAL ASSEMBLY-FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER - EARLY PICK-UP PROCEDURES
At the conclusion of our final assembly, all classes will move with their teacher, back to their individual classrooms. Parents of students in all year levels are welcome to collect their child on conclusion of the final assembly (approximately 12.30pm).
Students leaving at this time must be signed out at their classroom. Should any parent be collecting a child or children from another family we ask that this information is communicated to classroom teachers via email.
If you are collecting your child during the lunch hour or the afternoon session, please sign out at the office as per normal procedures.
Supervision will be provided for those children whose parents are unable to collect them prior to 3pm due to work commitments.
END OF YEAR ENVELOPES
Should you require your end of year envelope to be posted, please leave a large stamped self-addressed envelope with your child’s Classroom Teacher. If no envelope is provided, unposted envelopes will be placed in your child’s file.
NO envelopes will be given out prior to 3:00pm on Thursday 1 December.
MEDICATIONS KEPT AT SCHOOL
As per Workplace Health and Safety protocols, all medication stored at school must go home at the completion of your child’s last day of school this year. Medication cannot be sent home with students, so it is necessary for parents/caregivers to collect the medication from the front office. An important letter and necessary documents were sent home this week to help families prepare for the return of medication and documentation at the start of the 2023 school year.
Karla Falzon
Acting Assistant Principal Administration
Playground After School Rules
At the closure of the school day, all students are required to move immediately to the Pickup Zone. Students who are going to After School Care or walking /riding home are required to be on their way as soon as they are released from class.
The Pickup Zone is supervised by teachers. Other areas of the school are not supervised after school. Our school’s Prep Adventure Playground is out of bounds before and after school. Any play areas within the school must be supervised by staff members.
We ask parents to ensure that their children are not on this equipment before and/or after school. Our school rules must be adhered to by all students at all times. Students should not be running around or playing after school whilst waiting for parents. Parents who collect their child after school and remain on school grounds are reminded that their children are under their supervision during this time. We ask all parents to please adhere to these rules and thank you for your understanding and co-operation.
Strategic Priorities 2022
COVID Update
Sporting News
CAPRICORNIA SCHOOL SPORTS NOMINATIONS
Direct Nominations for the Capricornia Swimming 2023 Regional Trials are now open. Visit https://capsport.eq.edu.au/ for details and forms.
Please Note: Only students affiliated with a swimming club can direct nominate for Capricornia Trials.
More information about an MDSS swimming trial (to be held in Term 1, Week 2, 2023) will be released in December for those students not affiliated with a swimming club.
All nominations are due to the Regional School Sport Office by COB on Tuesday 14 February 2023.
Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received an Award in Week 7 & 8.
Vacation Care
It’s holiday time again and Emmanuel Vacation Care is open! Our first two weeks, we will be operating from Monday 5th to Friday 16th December 2022. We will reopen from Monday 9th to Friday 20th January 2023. Our operating hours will be 7am-6pm, Monday – Friday each week.
The activity plan has been completed, although please be aware that current weather projections may result in some events being altered or cancelled. Be sure to read through the activity plan; you will note that some activities incur an extra cost. This will be adjusted through your account for attendance on that day.
Children attending vacation care need to bring the following items each day:
- Wide brimmed hat: Named school hat is perfect
- Water bottle: Clearly named
- Lunchbox: Please pack plenty of food!!
- Spare clothes: a precaution in case activities get messy or the grounds get wet
- Closed toe shoes: keeping us safe
Please access your Xplor app to make bookings. If you require a new enrolment for a student or have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me, or come and see me in the OSHC room.
I am looking forward to a fun filled vacation care as we build up to Christmas and welcome in the New Year!
Many thanks,
Ms. Monica
OSCH Coordinator
P: 0429 311 579
E: enm_osch@rok.catholic.edu.au
Tuckshop News
With one week remaining of school the canteen is now starting to minimise stock in preparation for our summer holiday period. Therefore we will be removing items from the menu as they become unavailable. Please have a second choice in mind in the event this happens during the day you place your order.
Tuckshop will be operating until Wedneday 30 November. Thursday and Friday of that week we will be CLOSED for cleaning.
Please ensure that returning students change their class/year details on their online canteen account.
With the increase in orders over the last year and less volunteers available we have changed the menu slightly for next year. Most items will still be available however some only on certain days. These will be our SPECIALS for the day. The new menu will be available shortly.
We wish to thank the amazing parents and grandparents who have volunteered over the year. Without your continued support we could not operate. We wish all of our departing families well and all a very blessed happy and safe Christmas.
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell, have anyone at home who is unwell or have been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19.
Term 4 School Fee Statements
Term 4 School Fees are now overdue. We would like to thank those families who have paid their account. However, if you have not paid your account, it would be appreciated if you could do so immediately. (This does not apply to those families who have a Direct Debit authority/payment plan in place).
If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact the Finance Office
Lost Property
We have the items pictured below in the lost property box. Please have your child collect them from the office if they belong to you.
Notices
SCHOOL APP
SAFE DRIVING ADVICE FROM QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE
Mackay Police have observed a substantial increase in the number of drivers conducting illegal (therefore dangerous) U-turns on Mackay Bucasia Rd at Phillip St traffic lights. Drivers are reminded of the following road rule; “A driver must not make a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights unless there is a U-turn permitted sign at the intersection.” The fine for the offence is currently $115 along with two demerit points. To refresh your knowledge on road rules, go to www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/road . Highway Patrol Mackay thanks you for driving safely.
Community News
2023 Mackay Sports Expo and Sign-on event
9am – 1pm, Sunday, February 12 at the MECC
The Sports Expo is a free, sport and recreation sign-on event for the Mackay region and will have 100+ sport and recreation booths on display at the MECC. There will be a range of active zone demonstrations on the day, heaps of prizes up for grabs and a wide range of sport and recreation clubs on display. For more information, visit the council website (please note - more details about prizes and active zone demonstrations will be added to the website closer to the event).
